Epilepsy is an abnormal electrical discharge within the brain that interrupts normal brain function. Seizures result and cause altered awareness, abnormal sensations and involuntary muscle contractions. Seizures are caused by a variety of reasons. An imbalance of electrolytes or the minerals in our body is one reason for a seizure.
Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia is a condition that results when the level of sodium in the blood is too low. Sodium's job is to regulate water levels in and around your cells, MayoClinic.com reports. When sodium levels get too low, water within the body starts to increase and swelling of the cells occurs. Swelling of brain cells, or cerebral edema, can cause a seizure.
Hypomagnesia
Magnesium is the fourth most plentiful electrolyte in the body, according to the Merck Manual Online Library. About half of the body's supply is found in bone and the rest resides within the cells of the body. The maintenance of magnesium within the body is a function of dietary intake and normal renal and intestinal conservation. Many enzymes in the body are dependent upon magnesium for activation. In addition, magnesium is important to the DNA and RNA structure. Symptoms of low magnesium include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, weakness, tremor, muscle twitches and seizures.
Hypocalcemia
Calcium is an important electrolyte that is necessary for the normal functioning of muscles and their contractions, nerve conduction and blood coagulation. Maintaining calcium is a function of dietary intake, absorption from the GI tract and renal function. Hypocalcemia is manifested by muscle cramps which usually involve the back or legs. Severe depletion of calcium can cause hyperreflexia, constriction of the larynx and generalized seizures.
Hypoglycemia
Severely low blood glucose in response to an insulin dose can cause seizures. The cells need glucose to function. When insulin levels are too high, not enough glucose is available to the cells. This can cause insufficient glucose supply to the brain and result in confusion, difficulty speaking, seizures and coma.
